There are two types of waterproof RGP LED Strips and it’s important to understand what makes them different and how to select the right one for your application. Today we’re going to go over the differences between the IP67 and IP68 strips that are available here at sirs-e.com.

It can be a little confusing because both versions of our Waterproof RGB LED Strips have the same specifications and there’s a very small price difference between the two versions. The IP67 and the IP68 waterproof versions are available in 5M (16.4ft) reels and both strips consume the same exact amount of power as the other. You may be wondering what the real difference between the two is especially if they’re both claiming to be of high quality and waterproof.

Before we go over the differences between the light strips, let’s go over what the “IP” stand for and why it’s important.

What is IP (Ingress Protection)?

Almost everything used today has an IP rating, from cameras to phone cases and of course LED Strip lights. The acronym “IP” stands for Ingress Protection.IP ratings are intended to provide the end-user of a product with a classification that has more meaning than the term “waterproof.” The ratings indicate the level of protection provided against dust intrusions, accidental contact with dust, and water by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures.

The first number from the IP rating goes from 0-6 and it classifies how dust resistant the enclosure really is. The number zero means that it has no protection against contact and ingress of objects and the number 6 means it’s dust tight. The second number of the IP rating ranges from 0-9 and it stands for liquid ingress protection. Zero means that it is not protected and 9 or 9K is protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.

In a nutshell the IP rating is a key component in deciding which product is right for your application.

IP67 Waterproof LED Light Strip

IP67 means that the Ingress Protection is dust tight (the number 6) and offers complete protection against contact. The number 7 means that it protects against the ingress of water in harmful quantity, but it cannot be protected when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time.

The IP67 is great for outdoor installations allowing you to have LED Strip lighting even in humid or wet environments. You can install this strip in a concert setting where there might be a chance of rain, or maybe even in your own home. Install it on your deck outside, or on your gazebo for those long summer night cook outs. Just make sure that you’re not going to be submersing the LED Strip under water!

IP68 Waterproof LED Light Strip

The IP68 version means the ingress protection is dust tight (number 6) just like our IP67 LED Strip. The number 8 means that it is suitable for continuous immersion in water. It means that the LED Strip is hermetically sealed and can be immersed underwater for a certain amount of time.

This strip is great for fountains or pool decor allowing you to have strong vivid LED lighting effects where you thought it impossible. This strip has the highest ingress protection rating for our LED Strips. There’s an option between single density and double density strips and it comes in a 5M (16.4ft) reel.

Note: we advice strongly against immersing LED Strips where human life or any living being will be present

Which One Should You Choose?

They’re both for wet and humid applications, but some applications are wetter than others and have different requirements. The IP68 was designed for applications where the light strips will be immersed in water and the IP67 is perfect for a less application that doesn’t require submerging the lights in water.

Learn more about the waterproof LED lighting solutions here:
IP67 LED Strip
IP68 LED Strip